How does this whole volunteering scene work?
Education children, fighting HIV, and helping the environment all cost money. Volunteer organizations charge you fees in order to cover these expenses. The amount they charge you varies a lot from organization to organization. Some will offer a very high end package where you dine in restaurants and sleep in hotels, while others will place with host families or a dormitory.
Volunteer organizations will usually place with a local partner in the country. A portion of the fees will go to the partner organization to help them run their organization, feed and house you, and make an impact on the community.
How can I make sure that I know where my money is going?
One quick and dirt test you can do is to make sure whether the organization is profit or non-profit. Many volunteer organizations have the appearance of non-profit, but are really for-profit organizations. Have a look around the site and if the organization is not advertising the fact that they are non-profit, then they probably aren't.
How can I be sure that I will make a meaningful difference?
Have a look at the organization's site to see what it has achieved. If there is precious little news highlighting successes, then chances are that the volunteers in the programs are struggling to make a difference. An extra useful clue is when the organization reports its mistakes. If the world is going to beat poverty, then it is important we learn from our mistakes. An organization that reports its mistakes is therefore committed to making a meaningful change.
Also ask the organization to put you in contact with old volunteers. They can no doubt give you the low down.
What other costs?
Many volunteers arrive at their placement areas and are asked by the locals that the need to pay extra costs such as wages to the local workers, or make a large donation to the school, or any one of a number of other things.
Needless to say, these extra costs should not be paid by you and should be covered by your program fees.
The Philippines and Uganda
Check out Filipino and Ugandan FAQ for country specific information.